What antibiotics are used to treat bronchitis?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 31, 2025.
Antibiotics are not typically used to treat acute bronchitis, which is caused by a viral infection.
Bronchitis, with symptoms of a persistent cough with or without mucus, may last for 2 to 3 weeks, so symptomatic treatment may be needed.
Drinking extra fluids like water, taking mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and use of a humidifier may be helpful. Cough suppressants may prevent movement of mucus out of your lungs, so check with your doctor about the use of a cough medication.
If you develop a fever or have a cough that does not improve after 10 days, cough up blood, or have wheezing or chest pain when you cough, contact your health care provider for further evaluation.
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Can you take expired ibuprofen?
Although taking expired ibuprofen is not recommended by the manufacturer, the actual shelf-life is likely to be longer than that indicated by the expiry date, with FDA testing showing many drugs are active for years beyond their expiry date, although specific data on ibuprofen is not available. Within reason, an ibuprofen tablet that is a few months past its expiry date is probably safe to take. Ibuprofen that is years past its expiry date should not be taken. Continue reading
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